Perth Travel Answers

Hey, I'm not sure what sort of things you like doing, but I just came back from 5 days in Perth and think I can help. The only real MUST do is a daytrip to Rottnest Island. Itinerary: Day 1: Perth City food and drinks tour - check some of my restaurant and bar tips, then finish off in a nightclub like the Deen. Day 2: Fremantle food and drinks tour - repeat the last night, but in Fremantle this time. I've got tips for that too. Fremantle is also a bit more artsy and you can go to various photography/painting stores. Day 3: Cottlesloe Beach and Subiaco - spend the day lounging at Cottlesloe beach and working up that tan, then head into Subiaco and walk to Kings Park for a picnic. Day 4: Rottnest Island daytrip - hire a bike and a snorkel kit and explore to your heart's content. The ferry can be taken from Fremantle, so just stay there from day 3. Please let me know if you like some sort of special activity like winery tours or scuba diving, etc. Cheers, Leon

Check also the Perth travel guide here in VT: Perth Travel Guide You'll find so many useful information there like places to visit, hotels and restaurants, travel tips, etc.

Because of the mining boom and therefore a shortage of workers for hotels/restaurants etc, Perth tends to be quite expensive. However a budget hotel I've stayed in several times is http://www.themurrayhotel.com/ and is on the CAT free bus stop to/from city centre. Breakfast is included in room price and the hotel has most of what you'd want. Downside is there is very little open in the evenings walking distance to the hotel in West Perth. Try www.wotif.com for hotel deals for time you are intending to stay. Agree that Rottnest Island is a must do. Suggest the day you go there, take the ferry from Freemantle and then return there and go to one of the many restaurants in that suburb. There is the suburban train station almost beside the ferry terminal to "Rotto." Kings Park beside the city is worth visiting as is the city centre. If you are thinking of doing day trips to Margaret River or the dolphins at Monkey Mia, please remember that the distances are huge and both are best done with at least an overnight stay.

You could also explore our The_Downunder_Mob page "Official VirtualTourist Australian Local Chapter" - The_Downunder_Mob's Profile Have a look at Top things and also The Younger Mob especially Marg

If you want to see dolphins and other wildlife, tours to Penguin Island from Rockingham are a great option. I personally enjoyed it much more than Monkey Mia because you go out in a boat. http://www.penguinisland.com.au/ King's Park has already been mentioned, and it really is a must do in Perth - the view is fantastic. If you go to Fremantle and/or Rottnest Island, it is a good idea to get the ferry back: The light on the skyline of Perth is the best then and you will be able to take wonderful pictures. Fremantle is one of my favourite places in Australia, it has a wonderful atmosphere and great shops, and also good museums if you are interested in local history: There is the Round House that once was a prison, and two Maritime Museums.

Hi Great suggestions above (as always!). If I might throw in my 5c worth on a couple of personal favourites. Firstly, if you're in Freo and have a taste for the macabre, a tour of Fremantle Gaol is a must. Secondly, everyone is agreed that a day trip to Rotto is non negotiable. If you're staying in Perth, you have two options - either get the train from Perth City Centre to Freo and catch the ferry (quicker and cheaper) or catch the ferry from the Barrack Street Jetty in Perth itself. This is slower and more expensive, but does allow you to experience the wonderful cruise down the Swan River, which is both scenic and allows you to rubberneck at all the opulent riverside property (there's usually a 'tongue in cheek' commentary as well which can be fun). I would recommend the river cruise as a 'must do' provided that the weather is good - however, if you're planning to visit Rotto anyway, I makes sense to combine the two, as both the river cruise and the ferry fare are quite pricey. My only word of caution if you decide to do this is to get an early start so that you maximise your time on Rotto. Another fairly cheap fun thing to do in Perth is to hire a bike and ride along the extensive network of cycle paths, many of which hug the Swan River. It's a great - and healthy - way to explore the city! Have fun: it's a greatly underrated city! Regards Cathy

Thank you so much for all your great suggestions:) I have now a fairly good idea on what to do but I'm still confused on where to stay. All accommodations seem to be very expensive:(

Hear the bells ....hear the bells.....and watch the 'bell pullers' at work

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Hi there! I agree with the others but my personal opinion is: Take a stroll along the Swan River Kings park is a must - you get fantastic views across Perth Take a day trip to Fremantle - the gaol is great visit the beaches - Cottlesloe and Scarbourough are fantastic Rottnest Island. Hope you have a great time! Kitty :-)